We've been sighting a wide variety of marine mammals in our area this week, but none so spectacularly huge as the Steller Sea Lion. The Stellers, also known as the northern sea lion, is a massive pinniped, only smaller than the walrus and elephant seal. With males up to 8-11 feet long and over 2,000 pounds, it's hard to believe they are not at the top of the food chain!
The Stellers come into these waters to looking for all sorts of food-- salmon, rockfish, herring, and even octopus. When sea kayaking or whale watching we occasionally encounter lone males who have not yet established breeding territory elsewhere on the coast. Only the larger and older males will establish and defend territories, allowing the females to choose their partners each year.
It's a rare treat to see these animals up close, so cross your fingers!